Monthly Archives: April 2016

The Audi A6 and A7 received mid-year tweaks for 2016, wherein we saw a refreshed exterior styling and more technology inside. But for the 2017 model, Audi decided to update the A6 and A7 just a little bit more with a more stylish exterior and a high-tech interior.

Although the specifications for the United States version have yet to be released, what we can confirm is that both cars will have updated front and rear bumpers, an expanded color palette, and new wheel patterns.

But that’s just for the exterior.

Inside, there are new LED ambient lighting packages, aluminum and wood dashboard accents, and advanced tech features. The updated Audi A6 and A7 have an improved Apple CarPlay, Android Auto smartphone integration, and a wireless charging pad.

The cars also come packed with an available rear-seat entertainment package wherein a pair of tablet PCs can make being rear passengers more comfortable and entertaining even.

There is no major change in terms of drivetrain, meaning it remains at 2.0-liter 4-cylinder base option for the A6 and 3.0-liter V-6 base option for the A7. On the other hand, the S6 and S7 will continue having the 4.0-liter V-8 engine. The same goes for the RS 7.

As we are all aware of, the Volkswagen Group has an ongoing diesel scandal. Because of this, it is more likely that we won’t see a diesel option for the updated 2017 A6 and A7.

Deliveries for both cars will start in the second half of the year, so you don’t have to wait too long. Pricing details have not been threshed out yet, but it is expected to remain unchanged from the 2016 A6 and A7.

This year, the A6 started at $46,200 while the A7 is at $68,300. These figures include the destination already.

GM’s announcement that it will shut down all Australia production in 2017 had as thinking that the Commodore will be discontinued, meaning the facelift for the 2016 model will be the last one. And since it won’t be in production next year, Holden is now on the race to churn out as many special editions as possible, including the Black Edition.

The new Commodore Black Edition will be available in sedan, sportwagon and ute bodystyles from mid-April. It will be based on the popular SV6 and sporty SS models, so it can effortlessly blend with substance to ensure the best Commodore experience ever.

Based on the SV6 and SS models, the Black Edition would have the following content: Auto Park Assist, Rear View Camera with Reverse Traffic Alert, and MyLink infotainment system with an eight inch colour touch screen display.

But the Black Edition goes further with a stylish black exterior and unique 18-inch alloy wheels. This gives the Black Edition a stronger presence on the road. Inside, its red contrast stitched seats give off that premium interior feel.

In terms of drivetrain, there is no major change. Depending on the trim, you can get either a 3.6-liter V-6 or a 6.2-liter V-8. The 3.6-liter with the Commodore V6 can produce 280 horsepower and 260 pound-feet. It has six-speed manual transmission as standard and a six-speed automatic with Active Select as an option.

Then, there’s also the more powerful 6.2-liter V-8 is offered with the SS trim. This can churn out 408 horsepower and 420 pound-feet with transmission choices of six-speed manual and six-speed automatic.

The Black Edition comes with an additional $1,000 price tag over the current retail price of the Commodore.

It looks like French automaker Renault will have a new replacement for the compact Koleos crossover, and it will be a seven-seater flagship SUV ready to compete with the likes of Nissan, Mitsubishi, Mazda and Honda.

Renault confirmed it will carry the Koleos name, and that it be launched at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show. The company also unveiled the first official photo of the Koleos.

On the outside, what we can confirm is that the Koleos will be 5 meters longer than the current model, which has a length of 4.5 meters. With that size, it will be the biggest Renault passenger vehicle in production.

Aesthetically speaking, it will receive the same treatment as the Renault Talisman and Mega ne. It has a rectangular shape headlights and a LED running lights underneath that is hook-like in shape.

The design will be built on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s Common Module Family, a partnership formed in 1999. The platform is also currently used for the Nissan Qashqai, Nissan X-Trail, Renault Espace and Renault Kadjar.

Inside, the cabin has that extra third row to fit seven people. This is a pretty major adjustment for the Renault. The head, hip and leg room are all pretty spectacular given the size of the SUV. But if you’re worried about compartment, don’t be. The one-touch folding rear seats will make sure to provide that.

The Koleos will inherit the Nissan X-Trail various drivetrain options, which include a gas-powered 2.0-liter inline-four that can produce 143 horsepower, a gas-powered 2.5-liter inline-four with 170 horsepower, and a diesel-powered 1.6-liter inline-four with 130 horsepower.

Transmission choices will include a six-speed manual and a six-speed EDC automatic with FWD as standard and AWD as optional.

Prices of the current Koleos are varied in markets, and the successor will might follow suit. In Australia, it starts at $28,490.

The Honda Accord 2017 models would not only be receiving a beautiful design like the Acura, but it would also be getting an updated hybrid powertrain that offers fuel economy and better performance. It gets a new and more compact battery pack that would increase trunk capacity midsize hybrid class-leading 13.5 cubic feet too.

Referred to as the “ultimate Accord” by John Mendel, the executive vice president of the American Honda Motor Co., the new Honda Accord Hybrid will be the most fuel efficient in the lineup.

On the outside, this is the best looking Accord Honda has made. The front has a more aggressive fascia and bolder grille. It also has blue LED headlights and fog lights, as well as aluminum hood and wheels.

Although there are no big changes on the sides, the Honda Accord Hybrid receives new skirts, contributing to its sportier appearance. It has new taillights emphasized by the long LED piping behind the lens, as well as a better-styled rear fascia.

The Accord’s cabin is sleek, stylish and sexy with shiny wood grain trim and flat black trim inserts. The high end versions would see a seven-inch touchscreen display in the center, which is connected to the second display on top of the center stack.

The lower-end versions have the traditional needle gauge instrument while the higher end versions will come with digital instrument cluster. Then, there’s the Display Audio system that allows connection to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Under the hood, it has a combined next-gen two-motor hybrid system and an “ultra-efficient” 2.0-liter, i-VTEC, Atkinson Cycle engine. It can produce 212 horsepower and has an EPA rating of 49/47/48 mpg city/highway/combined.

There are three different power modes: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive.

Honda has not released the pricing for the 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid, but it could start at around $30,500.

Since BMW is celebrating its centenary in 2016, it decided to start the celebration with the Vision Next 100 Concept for the Mini, Rolls Royce and BMW Motorrad brands. But more than anything else, the company will also introduce the BMW 7 Series Centennial Edition, a lineup consisting of three models each designed by the German brand’s Individual division.

The Centennial Edition will come packed with an exclusive exterior finish and luxurious interior in high-grade leather and other expensive materials. All of the models will bear the lettering “The Next 100 Years,” similar to the concept.

There are basically three drive variants available for the Centennial Edition: the BMW 740Le iPerformance and BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance with plug-in hybrid system, the V8 model BMW 750Li and BMW 750Li xDrive, and the BMW M760Li xDrive with a 12-cylinder power unit.

But regardless of your choice of engine, the appearance, driving experience and luxurious ambience of the sedan’s interior will still be the same. The sedan comes with the exclusive centenary model paint finish, 20-inch BMW Individual alloy wheels, BMW Individual fine grain Merino full leather trim, and interior refinements from BMW Individual.

Then, there’s the handcrafted signet with the lettering “The Next 100 Years” on the B pillars, the interior strips above the glove compartment on the passenger side, and the front and rear seat headsets.

The Centennial Edition, in particular the BMW Individual 750Li The Next 100 Years, will be fitted with the new 8-cylinder engine. It combines the latest version of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with the V8’s 4.4-liter engine, which can deliver a maximum power output of 330kW/450hp and maximum torque of 650 Nm.

Acceleration is 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds with an average fuel consumption of 8.3 liters per 100 kilometers and CO2 emission of 192 grams per kilometer.

There are two other engine variants, which will be featured in the BMW 7 Series centennial models, that would be launched during the BMW Group’s anniversary year.

The 12-cylinder power unit found on the BMW Individual M760Li xDrive Model V12 Excellence is a 6.6-liter engine with the BMW TwinPower Turbo technology that delivers a maximum output of 448kW/610hp. It also enables the M760Li to go from 0 to 100 km in 3.7 seconds.

Two years ago, Volkswagen confirmed that it has plans to build a new three-row crossover SUV at its plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Now, merely months after the production started, spy shots of the prototype have come out.

According to a report, the new Volkswagen 3-Row SUV was first seen in early 2013 by the CrossBlue concept. No one knew if the concept would be carried over to the actual production design, but the spy shots now confirmed that the production version will resemble the 2013 concept. Of course, we couldn’t see it in its entirety so the finer elements are still a mystery.

This new SUV is Volkswagen’s challenge to the ever popular and family-oriented three-row SUVs such as the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Motor Company Explorer and Toyota Highlander.

It will be based on the stretched version of VW’s flexible MQB platform, enabling the SUV to be offered at a lower cost. That platform was the same one used in the smaller Golf and the North American-spec Passat currently being produced at the Chattanooga plant.

Those who seek for a plusher ride can wait for the new generation Touareg that’ll come out next year.

There is no information yet on what drivetrain would be used on the SUV, although it is expected to come out with a 4- and 6-cylinder option. The CrossBlue concept had a hybrid powertrain that pairs the 4-cylinder diesel engine with an electric motor.

But since there are current issues on VW’s use of diesel engine, then perhaps a gasoline-electric hybrid setup will be offered in the production version. Volkswagen’s 2017 3-Row SUV would most likely debut later this year or early next year.

VW also has other SUVs in the pipeline, including the new Tiguan and Touareg, as well as the production versions of the T-Roc and T-Cross Breeze concepts. There would also be coupe-like versions of the Tiguan and this new three-row SUV from VW.

Spy shots of the 2017 Opel Insignia were recently seen out and about by Motor Authority as Opel engineers tested them out on the road. The new Insignia is slated to compete with the mid-size sedan segment, but by the looks of it, they are considerably growing and may rival some of the other larger models.

The 2017 Opel Insignia slightly look like the Audi A7, thanks to the design team’s decision to use a sloping, coupe-like profile.

The Insignia will be sold in Europe, the United States and even in China, where it will be badged as a Buick Regal. This is crucial for General Motors, which is looking to highly infiltrate these markets.

Although the Insignia may be bigger in size, it is expected to be lighter and more dynamic than the current model. This is all possible because of the E2XX platform.

The E2XX platform had its debut at the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, and boasts of its high strength steel in its construction. This allows any vehicle using the platform to have that heavy duty feel without the additional weight.

When it was launched, the platform had a weight saving of close to 300 pounds. The same is expected from the Insignia.

Other expectations from the Insignia’s specs include a front-wheel drive as standard (although an all-wheel drive should not be written off just yet) and either a 3-, 4-, or 6-cylinder configurations in diesel and gasoline options. It is also possible Opel may come out with a hybrid engine.

Aesthetically, the Opel Insignia will be influenced by the 2013 Monza concept and the more recent GT concept. As for technology, we expect to find Matrix LED headlights, semi-autonomous systems and IntelliLink infotainment with smartphone connectivity.

The 2017 Insignia is expected to be launched later this year or early next year. It may, however, have an early appearance at the 2016 Paris Auto Show in September, so stay tuned for that.

Mansory’s tuning kit for the 2016 Rolls Royce Dawn, which made its debut during the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, is the first one to be developed for the months-old car.

Since Mansory is setting the bar for future tuning kits for the Dawn, it is important to check out what this one includes, which are plenty, by the way. Mansory’s tuning kit for the 2016 Rolls Royce Dawn will have an aero kit, a customizable interior, and an enhanced performance based on a source.

Outside, the Dawn received a new front spoiler with larger air intakes, LED daytime running lights, and a smaller version of the front grille. It also has a new carbon fiber front lip, a lightweight hood, new side skirts, and a rear spoiler lip.

Completing the look is a new set of 22-inch lightweight alloy rims shod in Vredestein high-performance tires that measure 265/35/22 and 295/30/22, respectively.

Inside, Mansory offered the premium tuning kit it is most famous for. Customers can choose materials for the interior such as brushed aluminum, carbon fiber, burl wood, or highly polished lacquer surfaces.

The interior is further suited with extensive leather surfaces and handcrafted embroidering in the floor mats and head rests.

In terms of the drivetrain, the German tuning company was able to upgrade the Dawn’s 6.6-liter V-12 engine from producing a standard 563 horsepower and 575 pound-feet of torque to an impressive 740 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque.

These changes allow the tuned Dawn to go 0-to-62mph in 4.5 seconds with a max speed of 177mph, which was 22mph faster than the standard model’s 155-mph top speed.

The tuning kit may be on the subtle side compared to what Mansory has done before, but don’t expect the kit to be cheap. The company has yet to release details on pricing but if previous Mansory tuning kits are indications, then expect this to be on the pricey range.

In the early 2010s, a fuel-efficient sedan can go 40 miles on a gallon of regular gasoline. Now, the new 2016 Chevrolet Cruze is officially EPA-rated at up to 42 mpg on the highway.

According to a report, the new Chevrolet Cruze already has a city rating of 30 mpg, so the redesigned Cruze can compete well enough with the leading vehicles in this segment—the Honda Civic 1.5T (with EPA rating of 31/42 mpg city/highway) and the Toyota Corolla LE Eco (with EPA rating of 30/42 mpg city/highway).

The improvement in the car comes from the new 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that is standard on all versions of the Cruze. It also has aerodynamic improvements, as well as a lighter curb weight.

But the Cruze’s fuel economy story goes further. Other versions of the redesigned compact weren’t nearly as impressive in EPA ratings. The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission that is standard on the Cruze L, LS and LT trim levels were only rated 29/41 mpg city/highway.

You have to pay a premium price, of course, for the highest fuel-efficient version of the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. On the other hand, the automatic-only Cruze Premier has a rating of 30/40 mpg.

These numbers of the auto are all significantly higher than the outgoing Cruze, which will be sold as the Cruze Limited along the new model for the remainder of the 2016 model-year. The old Cruze’s automatic versions can only manage 26/38 mpg city/highway while the Eco model got a rating of 26/39 mpg for an automatic and 28/42 mpg for a six-speed manual.

Others are actually hoping for a better engine, but for now we have to content ourselves with the 1.4T engine. But for those who have fuel efficiency in their minds, they can wait around until Christmas for the 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine four cylinder that would be fitted in the Cruze for 2017.

Subaru of America Inc. has announced an update to the 2017 Forester. This mid-cycle refresh course includes a slight revised front and rear fascias, a few interior upgrades, and a new active safety equipment.

But above that, there’s something Subaru included in the 2017 Forester that cannot be found on a Toyota RAV 4 or a Honda CRV—the addition of a brake-based torque vectoring.

According to Subaru, the main changes can be found on the styling, the new driver assist technology, interior comfort, enhanced driving performance, and a better fuel-saving feature.

What Subaru is most proud of in its revised 2017 Forester is the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which incorporated color cameras to provide a wider and longer field of vision. The system also includes a Lane Keep Assist, which detects when a vehicle sways and would gently guide it to the center of the lane.

The Forester Limited and Touring models will also have the Blind Spot Detection and Red Cross Traffic Alert, both of which can help the driver prevent accidents on the road. The Premium models that are equipped with the EyeSight also get the Blind Spot Detection and Red Cross Traffic Alert features.

More, the safety feature packs the High Beam Assist, Steering Responsive Headlights, and the Reverse Automatic Braking on the 2017 Limited and Touring models.

The exterior was redesigned with a refined front bumper cover, a new hexagonal grille and headlights, and a rear spoiler that matches the body color will now come standard on all Premium, Limited, Touring and XT Premium models.

Inside, the new Forester has an all-new Saddle Brown perforated leather-trimmed upholstery with contrast stitching. You can also choose a matching brown leather trim to the door panels, center console storage box lid, and other interior details.

The new 17-inch wheels are standard on the 2.5i Premium and Limited models while the new 18-inch wheel design will come standard on 2.0X trims.

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